Somerset
Statistical Area - sa2

Somerset is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Somerset's population is approximately 4,237 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 170 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,067 people. The growth was inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,229 from the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 47 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 157 persons per square kilometer. Somerset's growth rate of 4.2% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.7%, indicating it as a region with significant population growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.1% of overall population gains in recent periods, driving this growth.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth estimations, Tasmania State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Projections indicate an overall population decline of 357 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts like the 75 to 84 age group are expected to grow, projected to increase by 179 people over this period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Somerset according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Somerset has averaged around 12 dwelling approvals per year. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that between financial years 2021 (FY-21) and 2025 (FY-25), approximately 60 dwellings were approved, with no approvals recorded so far in FY-26. Each dwelling has accommodated an average of 2.7 new residents annually over the past five financial years, indicating strong demand that supports property values. Developers target the premium market segment, with an average construction cost value of $569,000 per dwelling.

This year, commercial approvals totalled $554,000, suggesting limited commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of Tasmania and nationally, Somerset has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person, placing it in the 35th percentile of assessed areas. This limited supply supports demand for existing dwellings. All approved constructions have been detached dwellings, maintaining Somerset's traditional low-density character and appealing to families seeking space.

The area has an estimated 473 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Given stable or declining population forecasts, housing pressure may be lessened in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Somerset has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 22ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects expected to influence the region: Langley Park Clubroom Redevelopment and Amenities Upgrade, Draft Outline Development Plan - Malakoff Street, North West Coastal Pathway - Wynyard to Burnie Section, and Marinus Link. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Somerset has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Somerset has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Its unemployment rate is 3.6%, lower than the national average of 5.1%.

Over the past year, employment grew by 2.4%. As of June 2025, 1,910 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Rest of Tas.'s rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Somerset is 52.6%, slightly below Rest of Tas.'s 55.7%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

The area has a strong specialization in mining with an employment share of 3.2 times the regional level, but agriculture, forestry & fishing is lower at 2.5% versus the regional average of 8.4%. Between Jun-24 and Jun-25, employment increased by 2.4% while labour force grew by 2.2%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Tas. saw employment decrease by 0.5% with a slight fall in unemployment. State-level data to Sep-25 shows TAS employment grew by 0.77% year-on-year, adding 1,170 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years for Somerset, based on its current industry mix.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Somerset's median income among taxpayers is $49,921. The average income is $58,506. This is lower than the national average. Rest of Tas., on the other hand, has a median income of $47,358 and an average of $57,384. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.94% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Somerset's median income would be approximately $55,882 as of March 2025, with the average being around $65,492. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Somerset fall between the 7th and 12th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that the largest segment comprises 29.7% earning $400 - $799 weekly, with 1,258 residents falling into this category. Unlike metropolitan trends where 28.5% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, this is not the case in Somerset. After housing costs, 86.2% of income remains in Somerset, ranking at only the 11th percentile nationally.

Somerset is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Somerset's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 89.9% houses and 10.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro Tas., in comparison, had 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Somerset was at 41.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.7% and rented ones at 28.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,192, lower than Non-Metro Tas.'s average of $1,200. Median weekly rent in Somerset was $240, matching Non-Metro Tas.'s figure. Nationally, Somerset's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,192 compared to Australia's average of $1,863. Rents in Somerset were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $240.

Somerset features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.1% of all households, including 20.7% couples with children, 31.7% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up 34.9%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households comprising 2.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Tas. average of 2.3.

Somerset faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 12.6%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 8.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (30.9%).

A substantial 24.7% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 10.1% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 2.8% in tertiary education. Educational provision includes Somerset Primary School and Australian Christian College - Burnie, serving a total of 378 students. School places per 100 residents (8.9) are below the regional average (16.3), indicating that some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Somerset has 32 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops service a mix of bus routes totaling 86 individual routes. Collectively, these routes provide 9,720 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated as good with residents typically located 241 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 1,388 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 303 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Somerset is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Somerset faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49%, covering around 2,080 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health issues (10.6%). About 58.9% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of Tas.'s 60.3%. Somerset has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 26.6%, or around 1,127 people, compared to Rest of Tas.'s 24.7%. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly aligned with the general population's health profile.

The latest Census data sees Somerset placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Somerset had a cultural diversity below average, with 91.5% of its population born in Australia, 92.5% being citizens, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 43.1% of Somerset's population, compared to 41.9% across the Rest of Tas. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (35.0%), English (34.8%), and Irish (7.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 5.7% in Somerset than regionally at 5.9%, Dutch at 1.5% compared to 1.7%, and Welsh at 0.5% versus 0.3%.

Somerset hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Somerset's median age is 48, which is slightly higher than the Rest of Tasmania's figure of 45 and well above the national average of 38. The age group of 55-64 years shows a strong representation in Somerset at 16.2%, compared to the Rest of Tasmania. Conversely, the 35-44 age cohort is less prevalent at 9.8%. According to the 2021 Census, the 55 to 64 age group has increased from 15.3% to 16.2% of Somerset's population, while the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 11.0% to 9.9%. Demographic projections suggest that by 2041, Somerset's age profile will change significantly. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow strongly, increasing by 161 people (43%) from 376 to 538. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 100% of total population growth, indicating an aging demographic profile in the area. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 age cohorts.